Belmont Rural
Rachaek Percival
My name is Rachael Percival, and I am standing as an Independent candidate for the Herefordshire County Council election in May 2023.
I have lived in Belmont for many years with my family and my neighbourhood is very important to me. I’ve dedicated my life to public service, and I have always been passionate about caring for people, animals, and the environment.
Throughout my career I have specialised in Security and Intelligence. I have served on the front-line as a Police officer and am an Armed Forces veteran, completing multiple tours during times of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. After serving, I became a Close Protection Officer and worked in the Middle East protecting people and assets. I also trained the local people using my skillset and knowledge.
Now I work as a Cybersecurity Specialist, drawing on my military experience and expertise and academic qualifications in the field. I predominantly help start ups and small to medium sized enterprises become more aware and cyber resilient against online security attacks. I also analyse cyber security issues on the BBC radio and am currently studying for a MSc in Cybersecurity.
In my spare time I attend schools, colleges and universities to raise awareness on how to be safe and secure online, as well as to offer careers advice and to remove the stigma about working in the cybersecurity field. I am a fully certified First-Class Advanced Driver and Member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists and offer talks to young drivers about road safety. I am an Operational First Aid Responder with St John Ambulance and a qualified lifeguard. I enjoy teaching and I deliver courses globally within my field of expertise and have also been teaching English to Ukrainian refugees - I like to be able to help people!
I decided to stand for the County Council after being approached by Cllr. Tracy Bowes, our current Independents for Herefordshire (i4H) County Councillor for Belmont. Tracy explained to me that the role is rewarding despite the many challenges and offers a great opportunity to work with the local community, parish council and community groups. I am known as someone who likes to ‘Get things done’ and will work with the best interests of Belmont residents in mind. I have listened to concerns about the continuing traffic issues, the Three Counties Hotel Asylum Seekers, dogs being attacked because other dogs are not on leads when they should be (and the issue of people not picking up their dog’s doo-doos!), the drug issues by the river and the footpath and park issues.
I already have built up a strong relationship and l aim to work closely with the Parish Council, as Tracy has done, to ensure Belmont continues to look as good as it does and to continue to give local people the opportunity to have a voice through me when I attend County Council meetings.
If you would like to ask me anything, please stop me on the doorstep or in the street or drop me an email –
rachael4belmont@gmail.com
Yours Sincerely, Rachael